Tag: history

Built in the early 1700s, the Orangerie of Kassel sits in Karlsue park. The beautiful baroque building functions as an astronomy and physical cabinet and features as astronomical garden. It took on its current role after being partially damaged and rebuilt during the turmoil of World War II.

Lowenburg Castle, 2013. c. Leah Putz

Lowenburg Castle

If you want to see what a quintessential Medieval knight’s castle looks like, head over to Lowenburg Castle. Though it’s construction was in the 18th century, it was built following the style of the Middle Ages on the exterior and has a baroque interior. There were lion statues decorating the castle- an ode to it’s name which stands for ‘lion castle.’ Today it stands as a museum, allowing visitors a glimpse into 18th century life in Germany.

Lions in Lowenburg Castle feat. me, 2013. c. Leah Putz

Bruder Grimm-Museum

Fairy tales lovers must check out the Burder-Grimm Museum in Kassel. This is a powerhouse for all things related to the brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm and the fairy tales they collected and published in 1812. The exhibit here houses art installations, original copies of the fairy tales, hands-on activities, and more!

Collection of photos in Bergpark Wilhelmshohe, 2013. c. Leah Putz

Schloss Wilhelmshohe

Schloss Wilhelmshohe, which today operates as a museum and art gallery, is an immaculate example of Neoclassical architecture. It’s location on a large and beautiful park lands to its striking appearance. My journey throughout the ‘Bergpark Wilhelmshohe’ was one my favorite parts of being in Germany! This park is one of the most beautiful parks I’ve ever seen- if not the most beautiful!

Herkules Monument, 2013. c. Leah Putz

Herkules Monument

Kassel’s very own UNESCO World Heritage site! A copper statue of Greek God Herakles (German Herkules) stand on top of a pyramid, which is on top of an octagon, which is on top of a large hill overlooking all of Kassel! The view from here is astonishing, and well worth the long climb up!

Located in the heart of Berkshire, England’s royal county, is Windsor. It’s location is the royal county is appropriate considering it is home to Windsor Castle, which is one of the official residences of England’s royal family. The town dates back a millennium, originally bearing the name Windlesora as given by the Anglo-Saxons, though the name was changed to Old Windsor by the 12th century. When strolling through Windsor today, you can feel the history surrounding you though it has moved into the 21st century, incorporating modern shops and conveniences with historical buildings seamlessly. If you find yourself traveling to Windsor someday, here are the top five things you should be sure to see.

Queen Elizabeth II on a phone booth in Windsor, 2014. c. Leah Putz

Windsor Great Park

This large park is part of Windsor’s royal estate and was originally a used as private hunting ground for royalty. Over 5,000 acres large, the park also features a few notable historic buildings such as the Cumberland Lodge dating 1652, the Royal Lodge from 1662, and the Royal Chapel of All Saints built 1825. There are also the beautiful Savill and Valley Gardens, as well as an artificial lake titled the Virginia Water Lake. With all of these attractions and more, the park is a minefield of beauty and history that cannot be missed!

The River Thames

Catch a glimpse of the Thames in Windsor and you’ll see a side of the river that you can’t view in London. Flanked by grassy banks and trees, and complete with small, rich islands, the Thames seems like a beautiful rural river in this setting- a stark contrast from the brown industrious river you see in Central London. If you take a boat tour with a guide, you can learn a lot about the history of the town and the surrounding lands from the unique vantage point of the water. And to top it all off, you get some amazing views of Windsor Castle.

River Thames in Windsor, 2014. c. Leah Putz

Crooked House of Windsor

Built in 1592, the Crooked House of Windsor has functioned as many things, including a tea house, a butcher shop, and a jewelry store. Though it’s unfortunately closed and for sale for the time being, it’s fascinating to see the building, which earns it’s name by it’s distinct slant. It will be exciting to see what this ancient building will function as next, but until then be sure to stop and admire it’s facade, and just try not to tilt your head!

Crooked House of Windsor, 2014. c. Leah Putz

St. George’s Chapel

Witness one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in all of England at St. George’s Chapel, on the Windsor Castle grounds. Having been established in 1348 and reportedly holding numerous relics, the chapel was a popular medieval pilgrimage destination. It has also been the site of countless royal weddings and burials, featuring the tomb of one of the most famous monarchs in world history, Henry VIII, as well as nine other sovereigns.

Windsor Castle

The Norman castle from the 11th century that is now home to the royal family is the most popular tourist destination in Windsor, and many people visit the town for the sole purpose of coming here. Like the Tower of London, Windsor Castle was built by William the Conquerer in 1066, and has been a royal residence ever since, making it the longest occupied castle in all of Europe! It’s comprised of multiple towers, a motte, a palace, state apartments, and more. Today it’s one of England’s biggest tourist attractions,and for good reason. The castle is jam packed with rich history and culture and can certainly not be missed on any trip to Windsor.

It’s easy to imagine how Nottingham may have looked in the middle ages. The narrow, winding streets and bustling center of the city surrounding the castle follow much the same design as they were hundreds of years ago., when Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham were in their prime. But I’ll get to them later.

Nottingham Castle entrance, 2014. c. Leah Putz

Nottingham Castle gardens, 2014. c. Leah Putz

In the center of Nottingham, perched on a hill, sits Nottingham Castle. Since its construction in 1067, the castle has served an important role in English history, especially in the middle ages when it was a royal fortress and residence. It was famously occupied by Prince John supporters like the Sheriff of Nottingham while his brother King Richard was fighting in the crusades. In fact, Robin and the Sheriff had their final showdown at the castle in the legend of Robin Hood. Today, the castle functions as a museum and art gallery, specializing in relics from Nottingham’s history.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem facade, 2014. c. Leah Putz

Neighboring Nottingham castle is one of the oldest inns in England- Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem! This quaint, adorable inn and pub was established in 1189 according to the words on the facade of the building. The small, low-ceilinged interior definitely gives the impression of an aged space, so it’s not hard to believe the claim is true and the inn is in fact almost 1000 years old. Built into the caves beneath Nottingham Castle, the inn has a rich history, having been a common stop for pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem (hence the name). The inn’s pub offers delicious meal options in the way of classic English dishes such as beef and ale pie, fish and chips, and sausage and mash.

If you want to learn all about Robin Hood, his gang of Merry Men, and their escapades, make your way to the courtyard area outside the castle walls. Here you’ll find a life-sized statue of Robin himself! Behind the statue are a few copper plaques implanted in the castle wall. Each plaque depicts a scene from the legend of Robin Hood. There is also a city map in this area, highlighting all of the locations that feature in the legend, such as the cathedral where Robin and Marian were married, and Sherwood Forest.

Robin Hood relief sculpture, 2014. c. Leah Putz

There’s much more to see in Nottingham that I wasn’t able to get to either of the times I visited- such as a tour of the caves beneath the castle, Sherwood Forest, and Old Market Square. But, I love this small city, so I’ll be certain to return and explore some more, and I highly recommend you take a trip there and explore as well!

Nashville, TN is known for two major things: music and food. During my short time there, I got my fill of both!

My mom and I having our first beers in Nashville, 2016. c. Leah Putz

If you’ve got music in your soul- especially country music- you’ve got to make your way to Tennessee’s biggest city. When strolling along Broadway whether it be day or night you’ll hear live music blasting from nearly every bar. There’s also a lot of talented musicians playing on the sidewalks, so you can enjoy the music as you walk!

Tootsies, 2016. c. Leah Putz

On Broadway sits Tootsies World Famous Orchid Lounge. As the most well-known honkey tonk bar in Nashville, Tootsies has hosted a variety of famous acts on its three stages. The likes of Taylor Swift, Willie Nelson, and Patsy Cline have all performed here. Though the drinks are a bit expensive, it’s worth stopping by Tootsies to appreciate it’s hall of fame if nothing else.

History and/or art buffs should head to the Parthenon- a full scale reconstruction of the ancient temple in Athens, Greece. The building, located in the center of Centennial Park, functions as art museum. For those of us who may not get to go to Greece, it’s exciting to be able to see a complete replica of one of the world’s most iconic structure.

Parthenon in Centennial Park, 2016. c. Leah Putz

When in the south you can’t miss an opportunity to enjoy the amazing food. A big southern breakfast is a special treat, and there are many diners in Nashville that have menus stock full of delicious southern options such as chicken and waffles and, my personal favorite, biscuits and gravy. We went to 417 Union, a diner whose main floor pay homage to the WWII era and whose upper deck is styled in the Civil War era. As soon as we entered the diner it felt like we had stepped back in time!

I’ve seen quite a few castles in my time in many different countries, but none are quite so charming as Blarney Castle in Southern Ireland. There’s a reason it’s one of the most famous castles in all of Ireland- a title which really means something in a country where there are literally hundreds of castles through the cities and countryside.

Blarney Castle, 2015. c. Leah Putz

The current castle as it stands dates all the way back to 1446, but it’s believed that there were fortifications on site as early as the 1100s. Since its construction, Blarney Castle has stood strong and nearly intact through the test of time. There’s something really magical about being inside or stranding upon a structure that has survived through so many years.

The Blarney Castle grounds are enormous. Gardens cover every inch of the area, including the poison garden which features poisonous plants in large cages. If you’re planning a visit, I would suggest setting aside a whole day because it will take that long to explore the beauty of the various gardens as well as the castle itself. There are also many other historical features on the Blarney Castle grounds, like the noble horse graveyard and the Blarney House, a mansion which was built in the 18th century.

One of the most critical moments in the castle’s history is the placement of the Blarney Stone into the tower in 1446. People travel far and wide to kiss and stone and – according to legend – receive ‘the gift of Blarney’ or the ‘gift of gab’. The origin of this magical stone is shrouded in mystery, making it all the more appealing to visit. One of the theories as to its origins tells of Blarney lord Cormac McCarthy, who kissed the stone that had been blessed by the Irish goddess Cliodhna and was thus able to convince Queen Elizabeth I not to deprive him of his lands. While kissing the stone yourself, try not to think about the fact that its been kissed by millions before you, and just enjoy the adrenaline rush of hanging upside down over a clear drop from the top of the tower of the castle to reach it!

A few summers ago, my friend Joe and I visited Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, and came to the conclusion that Canada is like the hybrid child between America and Europe. When driving into Canada, we didn’t notice a change geographically, but suddenly there was French on all the signs and British flags everywhere. There were differences culturally as well. Everyone we met was incredibly helpful and friendly- giving us loads of advice of what to see and do in Winnipeg as soon as they heard we were Americans on our first trip to Canada.

Me with Canadian money right after arriving in Winnipeg, 2013. c. Leah Putz

One of our Winnipeg favorites was the Manitoba museum, which is part historical museum and part science museum. Within the historical museum is the opportunity to walk alongside time and see how Manitoba has changed throughout the years, taking the viewer from Jurassic times right up to today. Alongside the exhibits are numerous plaques and videos to help you understand the gravity of what you’re looking at. The science portion of the museum is full of countless interactive activities for all ages. Although this area is geared more towards children, we also had a great time experimenting with the different activities as adults.

If you cross the Esplanade Riel pedestrian bridge from downtown, you will find yourself in the French Quarter, which is a very interesting part of Winnipeg. Foodies should definitely make a stop here. We had some amazing crepes and, of course, the Canadian delicacy poutine. This combination of cheese curds, gravy, and french fries is one of the greatest, most artery-clogging dishes created by mankind.

Me before the Esplanade Riel pedestrian bridge, 2013. c. Leah Putz

Poutine in the French Quarter, 2013. c. Leah Putz

The French Quarter is also home to Fort Gibraltar, Winnipeg’s reconstructed fur trade fort, which gives people a chance to step back in time to a key location for the Canadian fur trade in the 18th century. The fort is full of people wearing authentic clothing from the time the fort was active as well as completing authentic tasks so visitors can get a true sense of what life was like for fur traders. For instance, we got to see a woman making a mug out of leather and a blacksmith making tools. The experience in the fort was very interactive; the employees engaged us in conversation and had answers for every question we could come up with.

Fort Gibraltar, 2013. c. Leah Putz

Consider Winnipeg as a vacation destination this summer. We certainly had a blast taking in the history and the culture, and we loved how many friendly people we met.

As someone who is not usually a fan of sausage, it’s weird that I swear by the United Kingdom’s sausage rolls. But I do. Typically found in bakeries and breakfast shops, sausage rolls are comprised of warm , melt-in-your-mouth pastry wrapped around a soft sausage. It’s savory, tender, and delicious and makes the perfect bite for breakfast or side for dinner.

Scotch Egg

Commonly a picnic food, the Scotch egg is a hard-boiled egg coated in sausage meat and breading and then deep-fried. Regrettably I have yet to try this classic dish with origins in 1738, but I’ve been told it’s not something to miss!

Me with my first glass of Pimms in the Kings Head pub in London, 2014. c. Leah Putz

Pimms

It’s Pimms o’clock! This refreshing summer beverage is perfect for a drink on a patio and enjoying the sunny weather that doesn’t often grace the United Kingdom. The drink is made with a unique combination: Pimms liqueur, lemonade, fruit (examples include strawberries, orange slices, lemon slices, and cucumber slices), and mint leaves. It’s my favorite alcoholic beverage I’ve ever had, and I highly suggest giving it a try. Even if you don’t make it to the U.K., it’s quite an easy drink to make at home!

Though immortalized in the legend of Sweeney Todd, you may not want to think about that story while digging in to your first meat pie. Meat pies are exactly as they sounds; savory pies filled with meat. It was a staple dish in the middle ages and it’s popularity has continued into the modern age, though I’m sure they probably taste a lot better today than they did 500 years ago!

Tea

Tea is a symbol of British culture worldwide. Having an afternoon tea meal has been a tradition since the 1800s. Though ‘afternoon tea’ is considered a meal mainly served between 3 and 6pm, many Brits choose to drink tea all day long, rather than only indulging once a day.

Traditional Sunday roast in a London pub, 2017. c. Leah Putz

Sunday Roast

If traditional is what you’re after, you won’t find much that’s more traditional than a Sunday roast. A standard Sunday roast is comprised of yorkshire pudding, greens and vegetables, roasted meat, and gravy. It originated as an after church meal on Sundays and dates back to medieval times.

Fish and Chips in Windsor, 2014. c. Leah Putz

Fish and Chips

Fish and chips are synonymous with the United Kingdom, and for good reason. With hundred of coastal fishing villages, fresh fish easy to come by. The large piece of fish is traditionally fried and often served with homade tartar sauce and thick, savory chips (aka fries to Americans). You definitely can’t take a trip to the U.K. without trying this classic dish.

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